What’s Your Why?

It was 7:00 a.m. and I was driving to church Sunday, February 26, 2017. I was SUPER excited, as it was the kickoff for 2017 Gadgets and Gizmos VBS volunteer recruitment. I knew several people would be wearing their VBS t-shirts (and lab coats!). My son was going in early with me and about half way into the drive I asked him why he served in VBS. He thought for a moment and said, “I serve in VBS to encourage kids to learn [about the Bible].” I loved his answer – I resonated with it – it was short, simple and most certainly communicated his “why”!

Simon Sinek (author, speaker, and leadership guru) asks the following questions, “Do you know your why? The purpose, cause, or belief that inspires you to do what you do?” What thought provoking, insightful, and powerful questions to ask! I believe we must know our why first – especially when it comes to VBS. So much goes into the planning and preparation of this powerful community outreach and discipleship endeavor! So, with that – why do we serve in VBS? What is the purpose of VBS? Why do we even have a VBS?

Later that morning, we were well under way with our normal Sunday morning activities and more importantly, we were creating a lot of excitement about VBS Volunteer Recruitment! Jill McCurdy was one of three VBS Leaders helping to oversee the signup process. I asked her the same question and here is what she shared, “As a child, VBS was a lot of fun; as a teenager, I enjoyed the responsibility; but as an adult, the enjoyment comes from joining with God to do His work. It is having the opportunity to see God work through me. Yes, I love the kids! Yes, I love the fact that children receive a concentration of God’s Word that they won’t get at any other time! God is all over VBS and His power is amazing the week of VBS!!” Wow – I was fired up after hearing her answer! Jill’s why may have been longer than Bryan’s, but both were full of passion and promise!

Next I asked Jessica Pedraza, my ministry associate and here’s her why: “The joy I receive when I watch the kids comprehend what we are talking about. The look on their faces when they get it.” Amen! The light bulb moment we are all looking for when we are teaching someone and they get it! I loved this why as well.

Ronda Gomez’ why was compelling as well, “I serve in VBS to not only teach about the love of Jesus and share His love, but to also let this be an example to my children of a way that I can serve.” She is modeling to her kids as she serves – this is another gold medal why!

Finally, I asked Anna Stallcup and she basically wrote the novel on why, “There are so many reasons to serve at VBS, from the obvious opportunity to share the gospel with children from all different ways of life, (privileged kids, lonely kids, thriving kids, hungry kids, hurting kids, curious kids…) to the opportunity to get out of yourself and your big-little problems. But one of my favorite things about VBS is that for one glorious (read: frantic and crazy) week, we get to actually SEE the different gifts and talents in the body of Christ all at work together. The heart pumping and pulsing as each member works hard and furiously at loving some of “the least of these.” There is no one gift, no better gift, no most important gift when it comes to VBS. It’s hard to get by without an emcee or a Bible story teacher, but it is equally as hard to get by without data entry, snack ‘preppers, supply purchasers, logistical minds, security teams, prayer warriors, and people to run papers from one side of the building to another, or a pitcher of water to the 3-year-old class. From bubbly personalities who can rock Rec time like they were born for it, to the person who would rather just cut out 250 card stock stars in the comfort of their home, there is a place to serve. And for that moment we are working together, feeling that energy and common mind in Christ, and it is absolutely beautiful to me. No matter who you are, what you are great at, or what you think you are terrible at – there is a spot where you are needed and only you can fill! Ross often says, “Every member is a minister,” and it is never more obvious than the week of VBS.” What else can I say…this answer captures everything and then some regarding why!

So I guess the only question that remains is this, do you know your why? If not, say yes to VBS and sign up today to find out!